Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is a federally protected area located in Morris County, New Jersey, covering approximately 3,116 hectares (7,700 acres) of diverse ecosystems, including bottomland hardwood swamps, mixed hardwood forests, cattail marshes, grasslands, ponds, and streams. Established on November 3, 1960, largely due to grassroots efforts opposing a proposed airport, the refuge serves as a crucial habitat for nearly 240 species of birds, as well as numerous reptiles, amphibians, fish, mammals, and plants. Among these species, more than two dozen are considered threatened or endangered, including the critically endangered bog turtle and the endangered wood turtle.
The refuge attracts nearly 200,000 visitors each year, highlighting its significance as a natural space for recreation and wildlife observation. It was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1966, recognizing its ecological importance. The grassroots campaign against the airport plan galvanized community support for conservation efforts, leading to the eventual establishment of the refuge. Over the years, the refuge has continued to expand, reflecting ongoing commitments to preserve and protect vital natural habitats in the region.
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Subject Terms
Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
IDENTIFICATION: Federally protected wildlife habitat in Morris County, New Jersey
DATE: Established on November 3, 1960
The Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, which was established largely as the result of a grassroots effort, provides an important nesting and feeding habitat for migratory birds.
The Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in New Jersey occupies a 3,116-hectare (7,700-acre) region of bottomland hardwood swamps and mixed hardwood forests containing cattail marshes, grasslands, ponds, and streams. Its beginnings were established in 1960, and it was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1966. Nearly 200,000 people visit the refuge each year. The refuge supports approximately 240 species of birds, 39 species of reptiles and amphibians, 29 species of fish, 33 species of mammals, and 600 species of plants, 215 of which are wildflowers. Of those species, more than two dozen have been designated as threatened or endangered by the state of New Jersey, including the critically endangered bog turtle and the endangered wood turtle.
In 1959 the New York-New Jersey Port Authority identified a 4,047-hectare (10,000-acre) area in rural New Jersey as the site of a new airport to serve the New York City metropolitan area. The proposed site would cover twice the area of what was then known as Idlewild Airport (later renamed John F. Kennedy International). When the Newark Evening News broke the story about the proposed airport, citizens, politicians, and conservationists banded together to fight the project. Citizens objected to the Port Authority’s expansion plans for a multitude of reasons: destruction of homes and businesses, unacceptable noise levels from the new airport, traffic, and contamination of underground water supplies.
Fourteen volunteer groups joined forces as the Jersey Jetport Site Association (JJSA). The JJSA fought the airport expansion on a variety of fronts: political, legal, and economic. Most important was the group’s ability to influence public opinion. Some of the same people also became involved with the North American Wildlife Foundation (NAWF), which purchases threatened lands and holds them for future government purchase or donates the property outright. Through the efforts of the NAWF and the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, the US Department of the Interior agreed to grant the area status if the NAWF could raise the funds to purchase 1,214 hectares (3,000 acres). The NAWF acquired the first 405 hectares (1,000 acres) in 1960 and turned them over to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service later that same year, and on November 3, 1960, an act of Congress established as a park the first part of what would eventually become the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.
In 1962 public hearings began in New Jersey on a bill that would prohibit airport construction in seven northern counties—including the Port Authority site in Morris County. The bill passed by a wide margin but was vetoed by New Jersey governor Robert Meyner, who declared it unconstitutional. Governor Meyner lost his bid for reelection and was replaced by Richard Hughes, who supported the bill and the refuge. By 1963 the state had even provided $25,000 to purchase additional land, which was added in 1964. Additional parcels of land were appended to the existing refuge throughout the following years, until by 1990 the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge consisted of more than 2,800 hectares (7,000 acres) of land.
Bibliography
Dawson, Chad P., and John C. Hendee. Wilderness Management: Stewardship and Protection of Resources and Values. 4th ed. Boulder, Colo.: WILD Foundation, 2009.
Richman, Steven M. The Great Swamp: New Jersey’s Natural Treasure. Atglen, Pa.: Schiffer, 2008.
Schlager, Ken. "Explore the Great Swamp, a Sanctuary for All." New Jersey Monthly Magazine, Oct. 2022,
njmonthly.com/articles/things-to-do/explore-the-great-swamp-a-sanctuary-for-all/. Accessed 17 July 2024.